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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Nov 1951

Vol. 128 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Japanese Internment of Irish Nationals.

asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he has taken steps to endeavour to ensure that Irish nationals who were interned by the Japanese authorities during the recent World War will receive adequate compensation in respect thereof; and, if so, if he will indicate the present position; and if he has not taken such steps, whether he will do so without delay.

The Deputy will be aware from the circumstances of the case in which he is interested that no action could be taken to lodge a claim against the Japanese authorities on behalf of Irish nationals until Japanese sovereignty is re-established in international law. This cannot take place until the Peace Treaty recently concluded between Japan and the Allied Powers is ratified. So far as I am aware, some months will elapse before the necessary ratifications can take place.

In fact, only one claim for compensation against the Japanese authorities of the kind to which the Deputy refers has been received in my Department. This is, no doubt the case in which the Deputy himself is interested and he has been informed by my Department of the special circumstances of that case.

If there are any other Irish nationals who consider that they are entitled to compensation in respect of their wrongful internment by the Japanese authorities, my Department will be prepared to make a claim on their behalf provided that the necessary particulars are furnished so that the claim may be registered in the Department.

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